Sports and Recreation Centre 'Charlie' Emir Bogunić officially opened in Ilidža

(Patria) - The Sports and Recreation Centre "Charlie" Emir Bogunić, located along the banks of the Željeznica River near the Alija Izetbegović Bridge, officially opened its doors tonight to visitors who will enjoy the numerous amenities the park offers.

The centre, covering an area of about 15,000 square metres, offers various opportunities for the youngest to enjoy team ball sports such as handball, basketball, beach volleyball and mini football. In addition to the various sports activities provided by the sports and recreation centre, there is also a running track and numerous fitness machines. Besides the above, this sports and recreation centre contains three playgrounds with equipment, adapted for the youngest, as well as a playground adapted for children with developmental disabilities.

The content, which had been missing until now, was officially opened by the Mayor of Ilidža Municipality Nermin Muzur and the Director of the Public Enterprise Ilidža Jasmin Viteškić. Mayor Muzur did not hide his satisfaction with the fact that children, young people and all other interested parties will have their oasis of peace with the opening of the largest park in the area of Ilidža Municipality and beyond.

- I am especially happy because we managed to offer the youngest residents of Ilidža Municipality something they did not have until now. I believe that this park will be full of playful children, as well as young people who will try to use their free time adequately. We tried to make the park's content diverse so that the youngest generations spend their time playing, but also so that other citizens enjoy everything this park offers. This is a very extensive sports and recreation centre and I am sure it will help all users feel the pleasure of exercise and spark interest in new movements and possibilities that their bodies provide - emphasised the Mayor of Ilidža Municipality, Nermin Muzur, and added:

The plaque CHARLIE Emir Bogunić, after whom this centre was named, was unveiled by the Mayor of Ilidža Municipality Nermin Muzur and the daughter of the late Emir Bogunić - Charlie, Adisa Bogunić.

Emir Bogunić - Charlie, was the platoon commander of the Fourth Motorised Brigade and one of its most prominent fighters. He was awarded the highest war decoration "Golden Lily" in 1993, and posthumously in 1994 he was awarded the "Order of Military Merit with Golden Swords" and promoted to the rank of Colonel of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He died on 28 July 1993 at Golo brdo on Igman.

During the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Charlie was synonymous with sports on the free territory of Ilidža Municipality, given that all sports collectives bore that name.

The ceremonial opening of the Sports and Recreation Centre "Charlie" Emir Bogunić was also attended by a large number of children, as well as members of youth selections of Ilidža football, basketball and volleyball clubs, and other associations. Also present at the opening and gathering with the youngest was Amar Gegić, a native of Ilidža, athlete and representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina in basketball, who currently plays for the French club Paris Basketball, a team competing in the elite tier of one of the strongest European leagues.

After the tour of the centre, a gathering was held with exhibition sports matches and a music programme.